Vote for El Hottie - Snap Classic
Summary
Comedian Yasmin El Hadi recounts running for high school president in Alabama shortly after 9/11. Facing prejudice as a Muslim teen in hijab, she launched an unconventional campaign featuring a battle rap and convincing cheerleaders to wear headscarves. Her bold strategy won her a landslide victory, earning respect from her opponent and healing her father’s post-9/11 trauma.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Progressive Insurance and Audible
Introduction: Book club politics and democracy
Episode Intro: Vote for Al Hadi
Al Hadi's background: Moving from Egypt to Alabama
High school life: Bullying and standing up for herself
Post-9/11 identity crisis and father's influence
Running for class president against a popular jock
Campaign struggles: Torn posters and insecurity
Sponsors: New Yorker Radio Hour, Monarch, and Mood
Unexpected support and brother's campaign advice
Creating a battle rap campaign with a tutor's help
Recruiting cheerleaders to wear hijabs for support
Sponsors: Odu and Wise
Election day: The battle rap performance and wig reveal
The opponent's concession and winning the election
Father's pride and reflection on heritage
Outro and credits
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